On the plain, there were large sections of shallow rivers frozen solid. I wanted to take advantage of the weak morning sunlight to ride on the ice. However, after riding just over a hundred meters, I slipped and hit my left knee hard on the ice. So, I decided to take a break. I lay on the ice and gazed into the distance. In that moment, I felt both the beauty and pain of this journey. The gentle breeze, warm sunlight, and the approaching end of the trip reduced my mental stress, and I burst into laughter.
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After lying there for a few minutes, I slowly got up. It was clear that I couldn't continue on the ice, so I returned to the sandy ground and started pushing my bike slowly. Due to the presence of water sources, there were plenty of cushion-like grass meadows at the edge of the ice. I carefully lifted the bike over them, praying not to get a flat tire.
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In the distance, I spotted a survey marker, which was a pleasant surprise. Survey markers are usually placed in elevated locations for easy observation. It's rare to find one standing on flat ground like the vast plain I was in. To get closer to it, I had to cross an ice river. Near the marker, there were vigorous underground springs bubbling up, and the river had several thawed sections. After navigating and maneuvering, I finally found a narrow half-meter-wide stream. I stepped across it with a zigzag pattern and carried my bike over.
https://image1.8264.com/forum/202306/30/153301u4s88el3u8gaf6gq.jpg!t3w825h0x9m1
I also collected water from the river, where the flow was more than ten centimeters deep. My bike's kickstand was already broken, and there was no tall grass nearby, so I had to prop up the bike by the riverbank, which you can see in the pictures.
https://image1.8264.com/forum/202306/30/153309bpfcfoa4yei1xmdz.jpg!t3w825h0x9m1
The bike's kickstand had already been damaged, and I was afraid it might break if I tried to adjust it again, so I didn't dare to touch it.
https://image1.8264.com/forum/202306/30/153303ioiy6itq4i96cix5.jpg!t3w825h0x9m1
Below the survey marker, there were many plant stems and vines, for reasons unknown.
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